Rock with them - dance with them. Close your eyes and let them
take you to a cooler, sweeter place.
Among today's great vocal pop musicians, they have voices of
original and inviting dimension. The Planotones redefine oldies
with vocal authority and freshness. Their material is influenced
by the music of the 50s and 60s, but they consistently bring a
unique and musically sophisticated point of view. In this sense
they are classicists, opening the eyes of a new generation to a
rich historical musical style. With their cool and sultry musical
approach, filtered through a Brooklyn vibe, they give a gift to
those who are discovering them for the first time.
As a kid in New York, Kenny Vance was captivated by the magic
of rock 'n roll. At 15, he was hanging around the Brill
Building meeting other singers and songwriters and eventually
formed the successful group "Jay and The Americans".
They went on to record 15 albums, tour extensively and opened
for The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for each of their first
U.S. performances.
In the years that followed, Kenny began an expansive career
that kicked off with producing the first record for Walter Becker
and Donald Fagen - Steely Dan. Kenny was just in his early
twenties and remained with Jay and The Americans throughout their
entire 11 year career. He went on to compose, supervise
and produce a long list of scores and soundtracks for feature
films and television bringing the Alan Freed story, American Hot
Wax, its musical life by recreating the groups of the 50s and 60s for the screen. The Planotones were formed for the film
having their first onscreen performance. In addition, Vance acted
as musical director for Saturday Night Live and music supervisor
for such films as Animal House, Eddie and The Cruisers and Looking For An Echo. As an actor Kenny has
appeared in Hurly Burly, Billy Bathgate, American Hot Wax, Eddie
and The Cruisers and has appeared in several Woody Allen films
including his untitled upcoming feature.
Kenny Vance's passion is singing and throughout a long and
successful career in the entertainment industry he could never
lose his love and need to sing. He re-formed The Planotones in
1992 and has brought this passion, along with his soulful vocals
to new heights.
Of all Kenny Vance's hits, he likes to hit the high notes best.
His range, clarity and emotional fidelity lead The Planotones to a
musical paradise.
Murray Weinstock joined The Planotones in 1992 bringing his
unique vocals and keyboard stylings.
In the late '60s his group The Fifth Avenue Band recorded on
Warner/Reprise and Pony Canyon Records. With another record
contract on Electra in the '80she wrote and played with The
Camaros. He toured extensively as keyboardist with The Manhattan
Transfer, Esther Phillips, Richie Havens, Don Covay and Buddy
Miles, as singing and playing on the theme song for Welcome Back
Kotter with John Sebastian.
Through the vehicle of his jingle company, Lovenotes Music, Mr.
Weinstock has written and produced national commercials for CBS,
Kix Cereal, Toyota, KFC, Wendy's, Salon Selectives, Finesse, Flex
and others.
In the late 1980's he built Krypton Studios where The Beastie
Boys, Ben E. King, Mavis Staples, Don Covy, and Bobby Womack
recorded. Through Paul Schaeffer, he was hired as singing coach
and accompanist and off camera for Diane Keaton, Carol Kane and
Kathryn Grody on the film, The Lemon Sisters. His writing
producing and arranging credits include episodes of Kojak, The
Julia Jump starring Dr. John, Japanese artist Kaora Sudo and Bread
& Butter. He sang gregorian chants for the soundtrack of Doc
Hollywood.
As well as being a member of The Planotones, Mr. Weinstock is
currently the in-house composer for the New York Chamber Group,
Musical Chairs and is a member of two choral groups.
Garry Bonner has been with The Planotones since 1994 and has
had a successful career as a songwriter and singer spanning over
more than 30 years. A Bronx native, at the age of 13 he performed
at the Autobaun Ballroom with Louie Lyman. In the early 60s he
won first prize on amateur night at the Apollo. Throughout that
decade and the early 70s he secured record contracts with his
group, The Magicians, and also as a solo act with Columbia,
Atlantic and MGM labels.
Mr. Bonner has had an expansive career as a co-writer for the
#1 chart hit "Happy Together" by The Turtles -
preventing The Beatles songs "Strawberry Fields" and
"Penny Lane" from the #1 spot for eight weeks. The
Turtles went #1 again with another Bonner song, "She'd Rather
Be With Me". Gary penned two more top ten songs for The
Turtles, along with "Celebrate" for Three Dog Night.
Other artists who have benefited from his collaboration with Allen
Gordon were the Righteous Brothers, Lou Rawls, Petula Clark, Bobby
Darin, Lovin' Spoonful, Leslie Gore, Captain and Tenille, The
Nylons and many others.Currently Garry's song "Happy
Togeather", recorded by The Turtles, is featured in the
national Burger King commercial.
Rock with them - dance with them. Close your eyes and let them
take you to a cooler, sweeter place.
